Organic Compounds

Organic

compounds are carbon-containing substances that are typically found in living systems and are characterized by the presence of carbon-hydrogen bonds.

monomer

small molecule that can join together with other similar molecules to form a polymer.

polymer

large molecule composed of repeating structural units (monomers) connected by covalent chemical bonds.

Carbohydrate

Organic compounds consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically found in sugars and starches, which serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.

Monosaccharide

simple sugar that is the most basic form of carbohydrates, consisting of a single sugar unit.

polysaccharide

Lipid

A diverse group of hydrophobic organic compounds, including fats, oils, and waxes, that play key roles in energy storage, cell membrane structure, and signaling.

fatty acid

building blocks (monomer) of fats and oils, and can be saturated or unsaturated.

Protein

A macromolecule composed of amino acids that performs various functions in the body, including catalyzing biochemical reactions, providing structural support, and facilitating cell signaling.

Amino Acid

Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, containing both an amino group and a carboxyl group.

Polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming a protein or a precursor to a protein.

Nucleic acid

A macromolecule that stores and transmits genetic information, including DNA and RNA.

Nucleotide

The basic building block of nucleic acids, consisting of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and one or more phosphate groups.